As part of its One Step Closer to Community program Studenac, the nationwide chain of more than 1,200 stores is working with the Jabuka and Osatina associations of small farmers, registering family farms from the region to take part in the program. After producers provide information about their capacity and logistics capabilities, the chain will analyze their offerings and conduct quality checks.
“At Studenac, our purpose is to have stores that are ‘both small and essential’ for their local communities – and we realize that small farmers are an essential part of their communities and of the country’s food supply system,” said Commercial Director Marlen Mešinović. “We’re proud to be able to use our nationwide reach to offer Slavonian farmers access to a greater base of consumers for their world-class products.”
Studenac stores have been present in Slavonia, the agricultural region known as the “Breadbasket of Croatia,” since last year, when it acquired the Lonia Trgovina store chain. Beginning from its 2018 takeover by Enterprise Investors, one of the largest private equity funds in Central and Eastern Europe, Studenac has expanded from its base in the coastal region of Dalmatia, growing both organically and via a series of acquisitions.
Studenac plans to expand its outreach to family farmers throughout the country, developing ties with local communities throughout the nation of 3.9 million people.
Apple picking
In a related initiative, about 40 Studenac employees picked 5 tons of apples at a family-run orchard during a one-day outing near the Slavonian town of Valpovo in late September.
“This is a win-win solution for Studenac and for our communities,” Mešinović said. “Our employees get the chance to develop relationships outside the workplace, close to nature, and we also help family farmers who may be having trouble finding seasonal workers.”
Like the purchasing initiative, this program will also be expanded to cover all of Croatia.
The employees were joined in Valpovo by the Ekoznalci, Studenac mascots for environmental education for children. Studenac’s One Step Closer to Community program also includes donations of more than €70,000 to NGOs operating all across Croatia, as well as the donation of an annual supply of hand soap to 63 schools around the country – a total of 60,000 liters.
Now employing more than 6,000 people, Studenac is targeting a market share of 10% and the No. 3 position by sales in 2025. In the past five years, Enterprise Investors has invested more than €260 million in the retailer and its expansion.
